Seth Barnes - The fragile seed of the kingdom

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed..." - Jesus

World Racers spend 11 months in places where they see the kingdom planted. And as they do, the kingdom is quietly being planted in them.

Jesus twice compares the kingdom of God to a seed (Matt. 13). Seeds are small in comparison to what grows from them. They lie buried underground. Much of their growth is imperceptible and below the soil. Seeds need time and care to grow and bear fruit.

My experience is that this is exactly how the kingdom works in our hearts. If we're on a mission trip, we may be seeing healings and churches being planted. We may see widows and orphans cared for and justice rolling like a river through impoverished communities. We may be encountering what the power of God can do.

And if we are, we may respond by saying to ourselves something like, "This is awesome. This changes everything. I will restructure my life so that I am part of this great movement of God across the earth."

That's how the seed is planted. And it can be nurtured the same way.

When we come home, we're accosted by all the old temptations. They tell us that our comfort is more important than tending the seed of the kingdom. Our friends haven't changed. Our church services seem stale. And over time, we forget all the promises we made to ourselves about nurturing the seed of the kingdom.

All of which is in stark contrast to the big picture of the kingdom. When I think about the kingdom of God moving across the earth, I see its progress as inexhorable. It seems unstoppable. But just as Jesus gave would-be disciples the chance to choose to prioritize the kingdom and the care of its growth in their hearts, so he gives us the chance to make that same choice.

Yes, the kingdom's spread is unstoppable. But in an individual person, it always begins with a seed - a vision of how the kingdom could spread through our sphere of influence. And we have a choice; we can choose to not cultivate vision. Neglect it and it will whither.

So, how do we cultivate the seed of the kingdom in our lives? Here are three activities have been especially helpful:

1. Become a part of an encouraging community of believers who are similarly committed to water and nurture what God has planted. Vision is cultivated through encouragement and prayer.2. Look for pockets of hopelessness in your community. Ask God to show you where he is at work and how you can join him in bringing the kingdom.

3. Pray into your calling. God made us for a purpose. He has planted the seed of the kingdom in us. It's not just about guaranteeing our salvation. It's about joining him in his global reclamation project.

Jesus wants to partner with you. He has uniquely gifted you to make an impact and to be a life-giver. He has planted the seed of the kingdom in you. You must make the choice to nurture it.